Free · self-guided

Flagler's Gilded Age

In the 1880s Henry Flagler turned a quiet colonial town into America's first winter resort. This loop follows his three great buildings and the streets built to serve them.

75 min 1.1 mi 5 stops Late afternoon, when the west facades catch the light
Stop 1 of 50% walked

Stop 1

Ponce de León Hotel (Flagler College)

The hotel that invented Florida tourism · about 15 min here

Opened in 1888 and designed by young architects Carrère and Hastings, the Ponce de León was among the first large buildings in the country made of poured concrete — coquina aggregate mixed on site. It became Flagler College in 1968, so the courtyard and grand parlor survive largely intact.

Look for

The terracotta detailing, the twin towers that once held water tanks, and the courtyard fountain ringed by frog spouts.

Walk to the next stop

Cross King Street to the arched entrance of the long red-roofed building.

Directions

All stops

Getting around

Entirely flat and paved, mostly wide sidewalks. Two curb ramps at King Street crossings; benches and shade at every stop.

Start here: Flagler College front gates, 74 King St